Home to Native Americans for thousands of years and settled by Franciscan missionaries starting in 1774, the historic Santa Margarita Ranch has long been a hub of local hospitality and ranks as one of California’s oldest continuously operated cattle ranches.
As such, please be prepared for an authentic ranch experience when visiting.
Below are some facts and tips to help you navigate the ranch like a pro:
-Visits to the ranch are by appointment only, with the exception of public special events and reserved private events.
-Our roads are either gravel or dirt, and parking is provided in designated gravel and mowed field lots.
-In order to preserve sensitive wildlife habitats, please do not drive off the designated roads at any time.
-Ranch-friendly attire, including closed-toed shoes, is strongly encouraged.
-For the safety of our guests, please do not bring any pets onto the ranch, with the exception of service dogs.
-Proper caution and safe distance should be exercised if you encounter any wildlife while on the ranch.
-Temperatures can vary widely in the span of a few hours, and even hot afternoons can be quickly followed by cool evenings, so be sure to bring layers.
-Limited exterior lighting is provided at the ranch’s main event venues.
-While much of the ranch is made of rough terrain, our venue spaces and restroom facilities are ADA compliant.
-Most mobile phones receive a signal at the ranch’s event headquarters. However, depending on your provider, your mobile phone may have a limited or no signal on other parts of the ranch.
-The ranch is located just one mile from Highway 101 in the small town of Santa Margarita, and many lodging options are available just 10 minutes away in the cities of San Luis Obispo and Atascadero.
